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Why we think it's Essential - When you finish listening to The Name of Wind for the first time, you'll wonder where the hours went. When you listen again (and if you listen to it once, you will want to listen a second time) you'll marvel at the depth and intricacy of the fantasy world that Rothfuss has created. Details that initially seemed irrelevant will show themselves to be keystones of a greater story you didn't even notice the first time around. By the time your finger hovers over the Play button for a third time you'll realize that, to quote George R.R. Martin, "he's bloody good, this Rothfuss guy." Michael

Publisher's Summary

"My name is Kvothe. I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I have burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during the day. I have talked to God's, loved women and written songs that make the minstrels weep. You may have heard of me."

So begins a tale unequaled in fantasy literature - the story of a hero told in his own voice. It is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man's search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend.

What the Critics Say

“The originality of Rothfuss's outstanding debut fantasy, the first of a trilogy, lies less in its unnamed imaginary world than in its precise execution…As absorbing on a second reading as it is on the first, this is the type of assured, rich first novel most writers can only dream of producing. The fantasy world has a new star.” (Publishers Weekly, Starred Review)

“Fantasy readers-a notoriously discerning group-tend to dole out praise judiciously, which makes the reception of The Name of the Wind, the first volume in Patrick Rothfuss's The Kingkiller Chronicle, that much more remarkable. Critics are already throwing around comparisons to some of the biggest names in fantasy, including George R. R. Martin, Tad Williams, the recently deceased Robert Jordan, and even Tolkien. (Bookmarks Magazine)

“New fantasy authors are usually overhyped, and it's rare to find one who writes with such assurance and narrative skill right from the start. I was reminded of Ursula LeGuin, George R. R. Martin, and J. R. R. Tolkien, but never felt that Rothfuss was imitating anyone. Like the writers he clearly admires, he's an old-fashioned storyteller working with traditional elements, but his voice is his own. I haven't been so gripped by a new fantasy series in years. It's certain to become a classic." (Lisa Tuttle, The Times)

Yes! I read it, listened to it, and now I occasionally fall asleep listening to it. I forgot how much the child in me likes being read to sleep. PS: I am grateful that Audible had the foresight to include an auto timer that can be set so I don't listen half the night before turning it off.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Name of the Wind?

The first night I read until the sun came up.

Which scene was your favorite?

Not possible for me to pick just one....seriously.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Pay attention and enjoy the ride.

Any additional comments?

In my opinion, there is a certain quality that few writers possess and I don't have a name for it. Patrick Rothfuss has it and you will be the richer for having enjoyed it.

What made the experience of listening to The Name of the Wind the most enjoyable?

The performance given by Nick Podehl puts to shame all other 5-star ratings I have given in the past. His fluidity between voices and accents is incredible and adds an extra dimension of enjoyment to the already masterfully written story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Name of the Wind?

Rare for a fantasy story, I found myself laughing out loud at many subtle bits of humor and sarcasm. I found myself particularly satisfied and amused when Kvothe performed the song "Jackass Jackass."

What about Nick Podehl’s performance did you like?

His distinguishing voices and accents were great. What I particularly enjoyed was how he did the female voices. Generally, I find that when male voice actors voice female characters, there is something patronizing in the high pitched tones that they give the characters. Nick Podehl gave unique voices to each of the female characters that seemed actually plausible.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. And with the exception of sleeping, I did not stop listening. Begin at your own peril :).

Any additional comments?

For those who are artists (not just musicians), Rothfuss's description of the heartache an artist feels when encountering one's craft but unable to participate really hits home. It is a beautiful story with a unique tone. There are many commentaries on/parallels to today's society that make the story relatable to the modern day.

It's hard to know where to begin. I was completely rapt with this book within the first chapter or two, and I was in the grips of the story until the last page, totally drawn in and hungry for more the entire time. The characters felt both like old friends and new ones from the moment I met them (with the possible exception of Ambrose, but you'll understand why he isn't a friend once you've met him yourself). Even in introducing the setting, the first moments of the characters, it's clear this is a world to play in, people to get to know, and that your time won't be wasted here.

I don't know if I really have words to do this book justice. This is the work of a master, and just reading it is an enriching experience, even if fantasy isn't your cup of tea. The quality of storytelling, the characters, the reality that this is a life we're looking at, are amazing. I'm not a big biography reader, but if biographies read anything like The Name of the Wind, then I am missing out and must remedy this immediately. I'm not trying to make light of this or of history by any means, but if I lived in Kvothe's world, then I would be so unbelievably happy to be a historian, knowing that this is what goes on in the world.

I have read this book and loved it. Listening to it allowed me to enjoy it all over again. Patrick Rothfuss has created a complete and complex world as well as interesting and complex characters. In spite of the number of hours, I didn't want it to end. The narrator brought the story and characters to life and added nuances I hadn't caught when I read the book.

What other book might you compare The Name of the Wind to and why?

On scale, this is on the order of The Lord of the Rings, but this is the story of a single man, so it's hard to name a similar book.

I started this series with trepidation due to there being something not quite right with the tone of the narrators voice. I quickly overcame this and fell deeply entranced with the story. This is a great book and I highly reccomend it. Get past the beginning and find yourself emersed in this new and interresting land. I look forward to the second book.

Probably not. Although highly entertaining at times, it didn't have enough depth to read again.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

There are two timelines in the story: the present time, and the story told by the protagonist about his childhood and upbringing. I found the present time timeline awkward, unappealing and dull. The childhood/upbringing story is great, but only becomes interesting when something bad finally happens to the protagonist, who is mostly annoying up to that time. I almost stopped reading before getting to the part. I'm glad I didn't, but I would have liked it to come earlier. I also wouldn't mind if the present timeline was gone altogether as I found it distracting and awkward.

Which scene was your favorite?

There are some beautifully executed scenes with a lot of built up tension that reach very satisfying climaxes.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Name of the Wind to be better than the print version?

NO

What three words best describe Nick Podehl’s performance?

Juvenile

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I love this book. I have read the print version multiple times.

Any additional comments?

I did not like the timbre of Nick's voice. It didnt suit the character. The story is being told by a man in his mid/late twenties, so I understand using a more youthful sounding reader, especially given that the story narrator is reflecting on his past, but everything about the description of Koethe indicates that he is world weary and has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Nick's voice was far too delicate for the character.

I am torn between three and four stars for this book. Definitely at least 3.5 stars. I liked most of this book - I just wasn't completely sold on it because it took quite a while to get into the flow of the story. There were a few places within the story that seemed to ramble a bit, but the good parts were really good. The narration was excellent - no criticism there. I listen to more scifi than fantasy typically, and I am sure this preference influences my review. Overall this was a good book and I will probably eventually listen to the second book in the series

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